Ambulant sanitary facilities under AS 1428.1 (2021) are intended to support people who are mobile but require additional assistance with balance, strength or stability. The design relies on a combination of clear circulation space, appropriately located grabrails, and consistent fixture positioning to enable safe and independent use. In particular, Clause 13 sets out the minimum clearances on each side of the door and in front of the toilet pan, which are critical to allow a user to manoeuvre, approach and use the fixture with the support of the grabrails.
The prescribed dimensions are based on typical human movement envelopes for people using mobility devices such as walking frames or rollators, and the functional grabrail reach required for safe transfer and stabilisation. Accordingly, even relatively small reductions in clearance can affect usability, particularly when they restrict lateral movement or reduce the ability to position the body correctly relative to the pan and grabrails. We often assess designs to verify that the functional intent of AS 1428.1 is still achieved and that the relationship between grabrails and the toilet pan location is maintained.
In existing buildings, however, it is not uncommon for structural walls, shafts or services to constrain the available space, making full compliance with AS 1428.1 impractical without disproportionate works. In these circumstances, a strict Deemed-to-Satisfy solution may not be achievable, and the design must consider how to retain the intent of the Performance Requirements. We are very experienced in assessing each situation to develop the best outcome possible within the available space.
A minor reduction to a required clearance does not automatically result in a non-compliant outcome, provided the facility can still be used safely and effectively by the intended user group. Key considerations include whether the remaining space still allows a user to enter, turn and position themselves adjacent to the pan, and whether the grabrails can be used as intended without obstruction. Where these functional outcomes are maintained, a Performance Solution may be appropriate, supported by a reasoned assessment that the impact of the reduced dimension is negligible in practice.
Ultimately, the focus should remain on usability and dignity, ensuring that the facility continues to provide equitable access despite the constraints of the existing building. Please contact us for assistance with ambulant toilet designs.